Criminal charges may be filed against James Arthur Ray, author of self help books. Two people have died in a "sweat lodge" meant for spiritual cleansing for the 64 people squeezed into the small space inside.
According to local authorities, 21 people were taken to hospital for medical treatment who were inside the sweat lodge at the Angel Valley Spiritual Retreat in Arizona. One is in a critical condition.
Self-help author James Arthur Ray leased the facility for his "Spiritual Warrior" retreat that promised to "absolutely change your life." the event began on October 3.
Reportedly participants paid $9,000 to attend. They spent two hours in the sweltering heat before making emergency calls.
A sweat lodge, is an enclosed space where water is poured on heated rocks to cleanse the body somewhat similar to a hot sauna. They are known to be used in Native American ceremonies.
The New York Times reported that James Ray's sweat lodge was covered in plastic and blankets creating extremely hot temperatures.
Joseph Bruchac, an expert on Native American traditions told the Times that the number of participants at the Ray sweat lodge was far larger than the 8 to 12 that would normally be present in a Native American rite.
Authorities haven't determined the cause of the deaths and illnesses. Yavapai County sheriff is investigating into whether any of the attendees had pre-existing medical conditions and the possibility that some of them might have been fasting.
Ray was inside the sweat lodge and was interviewed.
"We express our deepest condolences to those who lost friends and family, but we pray for a speedy recovery for those who took ill," Ray's spokesman Howard Bragman said. "At this point there are more questions than answers, so it would not be appropriate to comment further."
Comments
Yes, dying will certainly and "absolutely change your life." The participants actually payed closer to $9,700 for only a five-day experience. This is a lesson to be learned about people want too much enlightenment too quickly, and about spiritual mentors getting becoming greedy.
Plastic? Definitely makes for air-tight.
I wanted to cry. Something sacred being abused in the name of greed and performed from a place of ignorance. So much was wrong in what he did and how he did it. The results for all the world to see. This was a sweatlodge in name only...CNN had it right the first time when they called it a sweatbox.
prayers to the families, friends and strangers affected by this selfish act.
I've been a fan of James' for a long time and I have to say this is quite appalling. Common sense would tell you that there were too many people in there and the length of time they were in there was way too long. I'm surprised they weren't all ill. This is a case where people got sick or died because they trusted someone else to be looking out for their safety. Maybe that is the lesson for the survivors and the rest of us to learn. Don't take unnecessary risks with your life, especially if there are children at home.
Stop selling the ceremonies. Mr. Ray chose to disregard this teaching and chose to make money. Native Americans have been telling everyone to stop selling the ceremonies for decades now. But Mr. Ray didn't listen. Plus, don't cover the lodge with plastic. It causes sore throat minimally, and in this case may have contributed to toxic accumulation. Money is not going to buy back life. People in Sedona need to stop selling the ceremonies.
My wife and I conduct sweat lodge ceremonies, having been trained and blessed by a native american Leader. These ceremonies are sacred and not for sale. I doubt whether James Ray has ever spent much time with native peoples. It appears as if he does not understand the nature of sacred ceremony. Maybe it is time to require certification, for it requires deep learning, much experience and wisdom to be a lodge keeper. I doubt Mr. Ray has any of those requisite skills.
Dont be too hard on Mr. Ray, the $600 000 plus dollars didn't go all to him, he must have paid his flunkies and assistants too!
First they stole our land, now they stealing our sacred medicines and healing ceremonies for the same reason: greed and profit. Those who have been harmed or a lost of loved one should iniiative a class action suit against James Arthur Ray's company. He has no business sticking his capitalistic nose into our culture and custom. As a teacher of my people's ancient ceremonies,it just makes me sick!
Utterly appalling - all about the money Mr James Arthur Ray. I hope you're ready Mr Ray for what awaits you in the days and months ahead. Karma.
What a Charlatan--since L. Ron Hubbard created his own religion, Scientology every snake oil seller in the universe is falling over themselves to sell the LOA and theory of positive thinking "The Secret" as they all say--what a Byrne(pun intended)that woman and her ilk really are just predators looking for sheep with money.If one of your friends or relatives comes to you with "must do" new scientifically based spirituality--not religion--they are very careful to separate spirituality from religion and couple it with something monetary or scientific like Harmonic Wealth or Spiritual Alchemy--slap their faces and tell them to snap out of it-BAAAAAA. Stop being SHEEP!These people are about making themselves wealthy off of royalties and bullshit weekend retreats they also are hot and heavy on retreats for the"Indigo"and"Cyrstal"children--ADD or Autisic if you cannot afford them--but all over the wealthy and the sheep who will mortgage their last dime to help their special children
Joseph Bruchac?!!!! you quote him as to what?!!!! well, takes one to know one; joseph bruchac has been "bastardizing" native culture most of his life; he ought to know; on the other hand, can't you find anybody else but a guy that swears up and won that a witch doctor once put a curse on him that made him jaundiced; go find another expert and stop insulting people.
Greed and personal gain was put ahead of everything else.
You attracted this james ray. Remember the "Secret" movie.
How you acted all high and mighty, thinking you had life all figured out! You shall pay james ray, the law of attraction deems it so, remember.....!
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